How former Louisville athletic director Tom Jurich leveraged big deals and big-time basketball to build the university into a sports powerhouse, only to watch it burn amid charges of excess, exploitation and corruption.

Running back Devonta Freeman said he wouldn't let Saints coach Sean Payton's choke gesture -- apparently in reference to the Falcons' Super Bowl loss last season -- affect his play or get into his head.

Saints quarterback Drew Brees is the latest in a string of players critical of Thursday games, citing the lack of recovery time and pointing to the six injuries suffered by the team in their loss to the Falcons.